Creamy Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta

Q: Can I make this Broccoli Pasta recipe ahead of time? Like, am I going to end up with a soggy mess if I prep it on a Sunday for a Monday dinner?

While Broccoli Pasta is best served fresh, you *can* prep some elements ahead of time. Cook the pasta al dente and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also chop the broccoli and mince the garlic. Store these separately in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just sauté the broccoli and garlic, then combine everything as the recipe directs. Avoid fully assembling the dish in advance, as the pasta can absorb the sauce and become a bit mushy.

Q: I'm trying to cut back on calories. Are there any lighter substitutions I can make in this Broccoli Pasta recipe without sacrificing flavor?

Absolutely! You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk to significantly reduce the fat content. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Increase the amount of broccoli to pasta ratio to make it more nutritious. Also, consider using a lower-fat cheese or simply using less of it.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta A Weeknight Winner

By Sally Thompson September 26, 2025

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5.00 (1 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bowl of Broccoli Pasta that's both dead easy and seriously delicious? Honestly, who doesn't? This recipe hits all the right spots: comforting, packed with flavour, and sneakily healthy.

Quick and Easy Broccoli Pasta Recipe

This Broccoli Pasta is your answer. It's creamy, lemony, garlicky goodness all in one bowl. Think of it as a posh version of mac and cheese but with added greens and zing!

A Taste of Italy, On Your Table Tonight

Our Broccoli Pasta is inspired by classic Italian cooking. It's all about simple ingredients and big flavours. This easy vegetarian broccoli pasta recipe takes only 30 minutes, tops.

This recipe serves 4 hungry people.

Health and Happiness in Every Bite

This dish is not only quick and yummy but also good for you. Broccoli is packed with vitamins. This healthy broccoli pasta is a brilliant way to get your greens.

Serve it any night of the week. This recipe is special because it’s a crowd pleaser. Even picky eaters will love this pasta recipe for picky eaters !.

Now, let's gather those ingredients and get cooking. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so good.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Broccoli Pasta Ever

Creamy Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta presentation

Okay, so you wanna make some seriously good Broccoli Pasta? Let’s get down to brass tacks! We're talking Creamy Cheesy Pasta levels of deliciousness, but super easy.

Honestly, this Broccoli Pasta Recipe is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights. I remember one time I was in a rush, and threw this together, it was amazing! It became one of my favorite Quick Weeknight Pasta Dinners.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Vegetarian Broccoli Pasta Recipe . I am telling you! It is one of the best Pasta Recipes For Picky Eaters!

350g (12 oz) pasta. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work. I'm a fusilli kinda girl myself!
2.8 liters (12 cups) water. You need it for cooking your pasta!
2 tbsp salt. Gotta season that pasta water!
1 large head broccoli (about 500g / 1.1 lbs ), cut into florets. Fresh is best, you know? The florets should be tight and green.
2 tbsp olive oil. Extra virgin is a plus!
3 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly minced is key here.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Adds a little kick!
120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream. Or half and-half if you're feeling virtuous. This makes the creamy part of the Creamy Cheesy Pasta happen.
Zest and juice of 1 lemon . This adds a really bright and fresh taste to the Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta.
60ml (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese. Or vegetarian/vegan alternative.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Taste and adjust!
2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Seriously, don't skip this step!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

The magic is in the seasoning, folks! We're aiming for a Lemon Garlic Broccoli Pasta flavour profile.

Garlic and red pepper flakes are a classic combo.
Lemon zest and juice are essential for brightness.
Parmesan adds that salty, savory depth. This is also what elevates the Broccoli Pasta With Parmesan to new levels!
If you're out of fresh lemon, bottled juice will do in a pinch, but try and go fresh where you can.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really don't need a lot of fancy gadgets for this Easy Broccoli Pasta .

Large pot. For cooking the pasta.
Large skillet or sauté pan. For the broccoli and sauce.
Colander. To drain the pasta, obviously!
Lemon zester. A microplane works best.
Cheese grater. Freshly grated Parmesan is always better.

That’s it! No need for a million things. Now, let's get cooking and make some Healthy Broccoli Pasta !

Get Ready for the Best Creamy Lemon & Garlic Broccoli Pasta Ever!

Honestly, you guys, I'm obsessed with this Broccoli Pasta recipe . It's one of those quick weeknight pasta dinners that even I can manage after a long day.

Think easy Broccoli Pasta meets pure comfort food. The sauce is rich, but not too heavy. And the lemon? Oh my gosh! It just brightens everything up!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Broccoli Pasta Mise en Place

First things first. Get your ingredients ready. Chop that head of broccoli into florets. Mince your 3 cloves of garlic.

Zest and juice that one lemon like you mean it! Prepping like this makes cooking a breeze. It really does save you time!

Let's Get Cooking: Broccoli Pasta step-by-step

Alright, here's how we make magic happen:

Boil 2.8 liters (12 cups) of water with 2 tbsp of salt. Add 350g of pasta and cook until al dente, as per pack instructions. Remember to save about 120ml of that lovely pasta water! You’ll need it later.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a big pan. Toss in 3 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave. Sauté for about 30 seconds , until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets. Cook for 5- 7 minutes , until they are tender crisp and just starting to brown. You don't want mushy broccoli, you know?
Turn down the heat. Stir in 120ml of cream, the lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss it all together. Add pasta water little by little until it creates a creamy sauce that coats everything.

Expert Broccoli Pasta Hacks

Honestly? Don't overcook the broccoli! Keep a close eye on it and try the Creamy Cheesy Pasta with broccoli dish.

Also, That pasta water is like liquid gold. Don't skip it. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta! And finally, taste as you go.

Lemon and cheese can be tricky to get right, so make sure your Lemon garlic Broccoli Pasta tastes perfect. You can also explore something like Artichoke Pasta , it's delicious.

Recipe Notes

Alright, let's chat about making this awesome Broccoli Pasta Recipe even better! I've tweaked this bad boy more times than I care to admit.

Seriously, I've got stories. We are focusing in the Creamy Cheesy Pasta edition.

Serving Ideas That Pop

Honestly, presentation matters! Plating can make a big difference. Twirl the Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan into a nest on the plate.

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a lemon wedge look great. Serve with garlic bread. A simple side salad brightens things up.

A crisp white wine is fantastic!

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? No worries! This Vegetarian broccoli pasta recipe keeps well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Use an airtight container. Want to freeze it? It works, but the texture changes. I say, eat it fresh if you can.

Reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of water if it's dry.

Mixing It Up!

Want to adapt this easy broccoli pasta ? Here are a couple of ideas. For a dairy-free version, use cashew cream.

Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan. For a seasonal twist, try adding roasted butternut squash in the fall. It's delicious with the broccoli.

Want to make this and Artichoke Pasta version? Just add canned artichoke hearts! This Healthy Broccoli Pasta can change flavors a lot!

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, let's keep it real. This Broccoli Pasta dish is not a salad. But it has benefits! Broccoli is packed with vitamins.

Parmesan adds protein. Lemon gives you vitamin C. This recipe is a great way to get your greens. Fiber keeps you full.

Think of it as a tasty way to sneak in some good stuff. Pasta recipes for picky eaters often include cheese, so that works!

Honestly, this Lemon garlic broccoli pasta is so simple. It’s one of my go-to quick weeknight pasta dinners ! Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Cooking should be fun. Jump in, give it a go, and make it your own. I promise, you can't mess it up too badly!

Delicious Broccoli Pasta Recipe Secret Lemon Garlic Trick

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Broccoli Pasta recipe ahead of time? Like, am I going to end up with a soggy mess if I prep it on a Sunday for a Monday dinner?

While Broccoli Pasta is best served fresh, you can prep some elements ahead of time. Cook the pasta al dente and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. You can also chop the broccoli and mince the garlic. Store these separately in the fridge.

When you're ready to cook, just sauté the broccoli and garlic, then combine everything as the recipe directs. Avoid fully assembling the dish in advance, as the pasta can absorb the sauce and become a bit mushy.

My family aren't big broccoli fans. Any clever ways to sneak more greens into this Broccoli Pasta?

Ah, the age-old question! You can try finely chopping the broccoli so it's less noticeable. Another trick is to roast the broccoli florets before adding them to the pasta roasting brings out their natural sweetness.

You could also add other vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrients, and they might not even notice all the broccoli!

What's the best way to store leftover Broccoli Pasta? Will it still be good for lunch tomorrow?

Yes, leftover Broccoli Pasta is generally good for 2-3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Place the pasta in an airtight container as soon as it's cooled down. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to the pasta to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer in a pan will do the trick. If you want to be extra safe, always ensure your leftovers reach a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before tucking in.

I'm trying to cut back on calories. Are there any lighter substitutions I can make in this Broccoli Pasta recipe without sacrificing flavor?

Absolutely! You can swap the heavy cream for half and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk to significantly reduce the fat content. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Increase the amount of broccoli to pasta ratio to make it more nutritious.

Also, consider using a lower fat cheese or simply using less of it.

Can I make this Broccoli Pasta vegan? What are some good substitutes for the cream and Parmesan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this Broccoli Pasta to be vegan! For the cream, use a cashew cream or oat cream these have a similar richness and texture to dairy cream. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic substitute for Parmesan cheese, providing a cheesy, umami flavor.

You could also use a store-bought vegan Parmesan alternative. Be sure to check that your pasta is egg-free to make the whole dish vegan friendly.

How can I stop my Broccoli Pasta from being watery? I always seem to end up with a puddle at the bottom of the bowl!

The secret weapon here is pasta water! As the recipe explains: Make sure to reserve some of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to thicken the sauce and bind everything together. Add it gradually, only as needed, to achieve the desired consistency.

Also, don't overcook the broccoli, as it can release excess moisture. If your sauce is still too watery, a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) can help thicken it up in a pinch.